Darksiders Walkthrough & Strategy Guide

Head down the passage and stop at the base of the Shadow Current (the blue sphere). Look to the right and you'll see a chest in a lava pool below. Jump down to the small platforms and then jump to the Chest (Choking Grounds Access Cave 1/2).

Now, take the Current up. Follow the passage until it dead-ends at the Demonic Growth. Climb this to the ceiling, then use it to cross the lava. At the end of this passage is a series of Currents over a pool of lava. You can't do anything more here, so you'll have to return with different equipment to get the Artifact and the other chest. Cross carefully and then climb up to find the Choking Grounds.

Choking Grounds

Chests & Collectibles

9 Chests

2 Soldier Artifacts

Upon arrival in the Choking Grounds you can score two more Soldier Artifacts. First, head to the gazebo in the center of the map. Here you'll find Vulgrim with his wares once again. Just north of the gazebo is a staircase leading down into the ground. Head down here to find a full compliment of enemies guarding a Soldier Artifact (Soldier Artifact 2).

Directly across the area to the south are three raised sarcophagi. The middle of these three stone coffins can be moved to reveal a staircase, just like the one you found in the north. Another pack of baddies guards this Soldier Artifact (Soldier Artifact 3) as well.

Secret Chest

There are seven gravestones adorned with crosses in the cemetery. You can destroy these for a secret chest. The are all in the immediate area around the gazebo (not in the streets etc.) and easy to spot with the exception, possibly, of one on a small hill behind the stairs leading down in the northwest corner of the cemetery.

The Chest (Choking Grounds 1/9) appears in the southwest by the three sarcophagi. Inside is a worthy prize: A Lifestone Shard (Lifestone Shard 2)!

A Chest (Choking Grounds 2/9) lies in the parking lot north of the cemetery with health inside it. Another Chest (Choking Grounds 3/9) with 100 Souls inside lies in the southwest of the area down some stairs.

Make your way to the northeast area with a Gate colossus blocking the way. Just to the south of the ramp leading down to the gate is a raised area with another Chest (Choking Grounds 4/9). Inside are 100 Souls.

Go down the ramp towards the Tormented Gate and look to your left. A passage leads down on in the northeast corner of the map. Follow it to find a building with several floors. On Floor 1 is a Chest (Choking Grounds 5/9) with 100 Souls inside and on floor 2 is a Chest (Choking Grounds 6/9) with a Wrath Shard (Wrath Shard 2) inside.

Now, return to the surface and interact with the Gate by blowing your Earthcaller. This will trigger a cutscene in which you are told about the Dark Realm (there's a realm darker than Hell-on-Earth?). After this, four spots will appear on your map. Upon investigation of each of these spots, you will be transported to a Shadow Arena Challenge.

Dark Realm Challenge: Aeriel Brawl

Defeat 5 enemies within the time limit. Bonus souls will be rewarded for any time left on the clock.

You need only defeat these enemies in the air -- that is, the finishing blow must be dealt while the enemy is airborne. This means you can swipe at enemies until the Instant Kill prompt appears. At this point, hold SWORD ATTACK to launch them and take them out. Do this to five enemies and you'll be able to run up and attack the gate blocking your exit. Grab the two chests to replenish your life and Wrath before taking the portal back to the surface.

Dark Realm Challenge: The Gory End

Defeat 30 enemies within the time limit. Bonus souls will be rewarded for any time left on the clock.

This challenge is long and gets a bit tough at the end due to the appearance of a pair of Fleshburtsers. We found that ignoring these is better than confronting them, since the smaller enemies can be executed with your Instant Kills much more quickly. The Duskwings are the easiest kills: the flying enemies can be taken out with an Instant Kill with no weakening whatsoever. You can even jump from one to another instantly by mashing the Instant Kill button.

Try to avoid the concentrated green stuff on the floors -- the perimeter of the room is generally safe. Use Instant Kills when you can. Things only get hairy when the Fleshburster appears. Ignore it and continue to take out the other enemies. Be sure to take advantage of the health and Wrath-filled chests around the arena. If you replenish your health right before making your 50th kill you'll be rewarded in souls!

Dark Realm Challenge: Speed Brawl

Defeat 40 enemies within the time limit. Bonus souls will be rewarded for any time left on the clock.

This battle requires nothing special. You can cut through the smaller enemies quickly, and ignore the Fleshburster at the end of the round. By this point there should only be a few more kills you need.

For beating all four rounds you'll get the Block Counter ability from the Watcher. With this you can counter attacks to damage to your foes!

Head back to the gate in the northeast corner of the area and blow your horn. You will be awarded the Ravager Enhancement (This enhancement increases War's damage with environmental weapon attacks, e.g., thrown cars and light posts. It also increases soul gain from destroyed objects.) and the gate will be removed. Be sure to equip your Enhancement on the weapon of your choice.